The Last Act of Love

I can still hear my father's voice singing "Three Little Fishies" to me and my sister, Joy, while he played the piano.  We'd stand there and giggle as he sang it because it was such a fun and happy song.  At the end, we'd put our hands over our mouths with wide eyes as kids do when they think they’ve heard a bad word. In case you’re not familiar with this cute little song, the lyrics went as follows.

Down in the meadow in a

little bitty pool

Swam three little fishies

And a mama fishie too

"Swim," said the mama fishie,

"Swim if you can."

And they swam and they swam all

over the dam

Boop boop diten datem whatem choo

Boop boop diten datem whatem choo

Boop boop diten datem whatem choo

And they swam and they swam

right over the dam

After being away from Los Angeles for several years, I returned home and asked my dad to play that song for me. He needed help getting to the piano, but once seated, gave it his best effort. He plucked at the keys and sang the words and smiled widely at me when he was done. I could see how proud he was of himself as I collected yet another golden memory in my heart. 

I've heard it said, "Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.”  I would have to agree. My love for my dad was and is deep, as is the grief.  Deep from the memories of his silly jokes to hearing him call home from a trip when I was in middle school and say "I'll be home Friday, so don't make any plans, because you have a date with me."  I'd smile each time and say "okay" while looking forward to something special.

Although I grieve the loss of an earthly father, I'm so happy he is free and with Jesus now.  I'm sure he's playing the piano and worshiping with a joyful heart.  I smile at the thought of him singing "Three Little Fishies" to all the kids up there, but something tells me he's probably singing the words that he loved to hear my mother sing:

When we all get together

what a day of rejoicing that will be

When we all see Jesus

we will sing and shout the victory

Rejoice, Deddy!  You are free!  My grief is but a symbol of my love, but even in the midst of my grief, I rejoice with you.  See you later!

In loving memory of John E. Sheriff - Feb. 20, 1931 - July 7, 2019.

Love Always,

Shy